LOS ANGELES – The National Domestic Workers Alliance and Caring Across Generations released the following statement on the Department of Labor’s recent release of a sample employment agreement for domestic and care workers.
Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su announced the sample agreement at the inaugural CareFest Convention at the UCLA Luskin Center in Los Angeles, California.
The sample agreement release is an integral part of the White House’s April Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers.
“As we open National Caregivers Month this November, we celebrate the Department of Labor’s release of a sample employment agreement for domestic and care workers, a significant step forward in supporting this vital workforce, who makes all the other work possible. The sample written agreement is a pivotal element of the White House’s April Executive Order that would prioritize care and caregivers, promoting fairness, safety, and dignity for those who provide essential care services. Today’s announcement is a testament to the commitment of Acting Secretary Julie Su and the Department of Labor in championing workers’ rights and protections.
Often working in isolation, domestic and care workers are a critical part of our society and economy that maintain the cleanliness and sanctuary of our homes, the compassionate individuals who care for our aging and disabled loved ones, and the nurturing caregivers of our children. They are the cornerstone of our society, ensuring that our economy, homes, and communities run smoothly.
Acknowledging their invaluable contribution, we must champion their welfare and safeguard their rights. Given that a significant portion of domestic workers are women—and that they are three times more likely to experience poverty than their counterparts in other sectors—it is crucial that we strengthen their defenses against wage theft and exploitation. Providing them access to formal written agreements is a step in the right direction, equipping them with the tools to negotiate their working hours, wages, and leave when required. This initiative also benefits employers by fostering a work environment marked by transparency.
In recognizing domestic workers’ critical role in our lives and the broader economy, we are taking a significant step toward creating a more equitable society. We look forward to further efforts in support of these essential workers, ensuring they are a cared-for workforce and that they receive the rights and protections they rightfully deserve. We wholeheartedly support this effort to strengthen the rights and protections of domestic and care workers and celebrate the Department of Labor’s dedication to creating a better work environment for all.”
The published sample employment agreements outline employment start dates, length, responsibilities, pay and benefits, schedule, breaks, workplace health and safety, termination policies, and more. The sample agreements are necessary tools that both domestic employers and workers can voluntarily choose to create a shared understanding of the terms of employment, reducing potential workplace challenges such as wage theft, wrongful exploitation, termination, and more. Sample employment agreements for housecleaners, home care workers, and nannies can be found on the Department of Labor’s website.
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National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is the leading voice for dignity and fairness for millions of domestic workers in the United States. Founded in 2007, NDWA works for respect, recognition and inclusion in labor protections for domestic workers, the majority of whom are immigrants and women of color. NDWA is powered by over 70 affiliate organizations and local chapters and by a growing membership base of nannies, house cleaners and care workers in over 20 states. NDWA has created Alia, an online platform to help domestic workers access benefits, not otherwise granted to them, in addition to introducing a National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights with now-Vice President Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal in 2019. Learn more at www.domesticworkers.org.
Caring Across Generations is a national organization of family caregivers, care workers, disabled people, and aging adults working to transform the way we care in this country so that care is accessible, affordable, and equitable — and our systems of care enable everyone to live and age with dignity.
To achieve our vision, we transform cultural norms and narratives about aging, disability and care; win federal and state-level policies; and build power amongst the people touched by care. For more information, visit caringacross.org.